Millions of Americans Have High Blood Pressure and Don’t Know It

Almost 50% of American adults have high blood pressure, and about half of them don’t have it under control. Additionally, about one in seven of people who have high blood pressure are unaware of it.

Unlike many other health conditions, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, often causes no symptoms. It’s therefore known as the “silent killer,” because it increases your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. 

Our team checks your blood pressure at every appointment at Wynantskill Family Medicine, whether you’re here for a physical exam, a sick visit, or a visit to help you manage a chronic disease. We want you to understand how important it is to know your blood pressure numbers. If your blood pressure is high, we can treat it, which helps keep heart disease at bay.  

Understanding your blood pressure 

Your body is a finely honed machine. Your heart is a pump, sending blood throughout your body. It beats approximately 70 times per minute, pumping out 2-3 ounces of blood at a time. In just one minute, your heart can pump out 5-7 liters of blood.

If your heart pumps blood too slowly, your body can’t efficiently carry life-giving oxygen to all of your cells. When the force is too high, it can damage your blood vessels.

Adverse effects of sustained high blood pressure

Your blood pressure adjusts to your situation during the day. It rises when you stand up or exercise to satisfy the increased need for blood, and it can even change when you feel strong emotions. 

Although it’s normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall to some degree daily, if your blood pressure remains high for a sustained period of time, it can damage your blood vessels — the pathways that supply blood to your brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys. 

If you have hypertension, you’re at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and heart attack, kidney disease, vascular dementia, and stroke.  

Normal blood pressure vs. high blood pressure

We want your blood pressure to be around 120/80 or below. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the force against your artery walls when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure, the second number, refers to the pressure against your artery walls between beats.

The definition of high blood pressure has changed in the last decade. Prior guidelines listed high blood pressure as 140/90 or higher. However, studies have shown that too many people suffer heart damage at that level. The threshold for high blood pressure is now 130/80 and above. 

Lifestyle changes to keep blood pressure under control 

Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure? Don’t panic. You can do a lot on your own to lower your blood pressure — key lifestyle changes could bring your blood pressure within normal limits. We also prescribe medication when lifestyle changes alone are not enough to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.

A majority of Americans are overweight or obese. If you’re among them, one of the best things you can do to lower your blood pressure is to lose weight. It lessens the stress on your heart and arteries. 

Getting regular exercise and eating a heart-healthy diet go a long way toward helping you keep your blood pressure under control. Our team can give you nutritional tips and discuss options for appropriate exercise.

Using nicotine raises your blood pressure along with leading to other adverse health consequences. We can recommend smoking cessation programs. 

Managing diabetes and high cholesterol can also help protect your heart. 

Know your blood pressure

Do you know your numbers? It’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. If we notice that your blood pressure is high or trending higher, we can help. Our recommendation for treatment depends on your health status, additional risk factors for heart disease, and your blood pressure readings. 

Call Wynantskill Family Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal today if you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently.